Air Jordan 12 Obsidian Releases January 2027
The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" is confirmed to release on January 23, 2027, celebrating three decades since Tinker Hatfield's original 1997 debut. The colorway—defined by navy leather, crisp white overlays, and UNC-inspired Carolina blue accents—makes its return at $215 after a 15-year gap since its last wide retro in 2012.
By Marcus Chen
A Rare Historical Entry Returns
The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" occupies an unusual place in Michael Jordan's sneaker catalog: it is the only original colorway from the model's 1997 launch that the man himself never wore in an NBA game. Despite this distinction—or perhaps because of it—the shoe has maintained steady collector appeal, driven by its clean color blocking and accessible palette that departed from the typical Chicago Bulls aesthetic.
Tinker Hatfield's Air Jordan 12 drew inspiration from Japan's Rising Sun flag, evident in the stitched lines that traverse the upper. The "Obsidian" iteration translates this design language through dark navy leather, bright white mudguard paneling, and Carolina blue accents tied to Jordan's collegiate roots at UNC. That trio of colors created a silhouette that felt fresh alongside its four sibling colorways in the original AJ12 lineup.
Design Details and Execution
The 2027 retro is expected to remain faithful to the original specification. Expect the familiar navy leather construction across the upper, complemented by the white mudguard that grounds the silhouette. Carolina blue will appear as strategic accents, while the signature stitched detailing that defines the Air Jordan 12's visual identity will carry forward. The shoe's construction has always favored wearability over theatrical ornamentation—a quality that has kept the model relevant across three decades.
The Air Jordan 12's silhouette itself represents a pivot point in early Jordan Brand design. Released during a period when the line was exploring boldness without abandoning sport-rooted functionality, Hatfield's work on the model balanced heritage signaling with forward-thinking aesthetics.
The 15-Year Drought
The last wide retro release of the high-top Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" occurred in June 2012, priced at $160. A low-top version had surfaced earlier in 2004, but the original high-top configuration has been notably absent from retail shelves since that 2012 drop. The incoming 2027 release closes a substantial gap in the model's retro rotation, arriving alongside the colorway's 30th anniversary milestone.
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Release Info
The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" will release on January 23, 2027 at a retail price of $215. The shoe carries style code CT8013-401 and will be available through Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retail partners. Additional retailer details are expected to be announced as the release date approaches.
FAQs
When does the Air Jordan 12 Obsidian release?
The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" is set to release on January 23, 2027, through Nike SNKRS and authorized Jordan Brand retailers.
What is the retail price of the Air Jordan 12 Obsidian 2027?
Retail pricing is set at $215, a $55 increase from the shoe's 2012 retro release at $160.
Where can I buy the Air Jordan 12 Obsidian?
The shoe will launch via Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retail partners on January 23, 2027. Specific retailer lineups will be confirmed closer to the release date.
Release Info
Availability: January 23, 2027
Retail Price: $215
Style Code: CT8013-401
Colorway: Obsidian/French Blue–University Blue–White
Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS, select Jordan Brand retailers
Product: Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian"
